Daijiworld Media Network-Bengaluru (RJP)

Bengaluru, Jul 26: Former prime minister and JD (S) leader H D Deve Gowda has stated that he will stage a hunger strike on Monday near Jantar-Mantar in New Delhi. The proposed hunger strike is to protest against the union government for not giving him an opportunity to speak in the Lok Sabha on farmers’ suicides.

 

Deve Gowda was speaking in a press conference on Saturday.

Gowda said that he had sent a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan seeking an opportunity to speak on the plight of farmers in Karnataka but had not received a response on the issue so far. Then he decided to resort to hunger strike. He said that he would continue his fast until his demand is met.

Gowda said “I am very disappointed over the central government for not honouring my request. BJP and Congress are busy in fighting these days instead of debating important issues. I just cannot remain a mute spectator in the farmers’ suicides and I have taken the decision to stage a protest,"

“It is sad to see farmers committing suicide on every day basis. It is a shame for the politicians. The central government should announce a package for farmers. Otherwise a Vidarbha-like situation may arise in the state,” he added.

The strike will begin at 10 am and will continue till the government promises to allow debate on the farmers' suicide issue. Former state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, JD(S) legislators and members of parliament as well as other leaders are expected to join their leader in the hunger strike.